It Cost Me Something

“I’m giving up Facebook for Lent.”

“I’m off caffeine during Lent. It’ll be good for me.”

You’ve probably heard—or even said—something like this. Many people use this season of Lent to exercise aspects of self-denial or sacrifice. For some, it’s a personal discipline or a time when they remove specific distractions to focus more fully on their spiritual walk.

While God offers no spiritual “brownie points” because you give up coffee or your phone for a few weeks, it is always a good time for a spiritual tune-up, reflecting on how you’re doing as a disciple of Jesus, as you anticipate the celebration of Easter and the joy of worshipping a risen Jesus.

You see, when Jesus calls you to be His disciple, it’s going to cost you. Several times in Luke 9, Jesus points out just what it will take to follow Him. In verses 23-25, He spells it out: “Deny yourself and take up your cross and follow me.”

Deny yourself—that’s a tall order. Most of us live “me first.” We like our own way; we hold tightly to our creature comforts, our plans, ideas, and will. The denial Jesus speaks of is more than giving up coffee! It’s a daily choice to set aside your agenda, needs, and desires, and take up His instead.

When Jesus talks about taking up a cross in Luke 9, it must have puzzled his followers. To them, a cross would have spelled judgment, execution, and dishonorable death. They didn’t see it yet as the visible point of salvation—something that speaks of forgiveness, grace, and freedom from sin.

Taking up the cross is a willingness to step into life as Jesus did; to walk the way of the cross, dying to our selfish, self-centered, sin-bound ways, and living by His purpose and plan.

This choice is not to be taken lightly. Being a disciple of Jesus is more than “being good” for a few weeks of Lent. It’s going to cost you something—your whole life. In Luke 14:25-35, Jesus compares it to building a tower, and carefully calculating all the expenses of time, materials, labor, etc.

Take a moment and consider the cost, to stand before the Saviour and say, ”Yes, I’m ready and willing to follow, no matter where You lead, no matter what.”

Consider this: Denying yourself, and losing your life for Christ (Luke 9:24) may not involve physical death but setting aside all your plans and goals, dreams, and affections in favor of His plan. Does that seem easier than dying? Or harder?

Prayer: Jesus, my salvation cost you everything, and I thank you for that gift. My sacrifice could never equal yours, but I’m willing to count the cost, deny myself, and live as your disciple. Thank you for choosing me, loving me, and empowering me to live this life through the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective training and coaching strategy, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!